Ondo NSCDC arrests suspect for vandalizing critical national infrastructure

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, has arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Obasi Ifesinachi, for allegedly vandalising critical national infrastructure in Iju Community, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, SC Daniel Aidamenbor, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, June 29, 2026.

According to the statement, the arrest was made as part of the Command’s sustained efforts to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.

The suspect, a resident of No. 32, Moferere Street, Iju, Akure North, was apprehended following a formal complaint lodged on 24 June 2026 by the Youth Leader of Iju Community regarding the activities of suspected vandals targeting an MRM telecommunications mast station in the area.

According to the Command, intelligence operatives, in collaboration with members of the community, placed the facility under covert surveillance. 

This operation led to the arrest of the suspect on Thursday, 25 June 2026, while his accomplices escaped.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect and his accomplices unlawfully breached the fenced compound housing the telecommunications mast with the intention of dismantling and stealing valuable components.

A forensic assessment of the facility showed that the mast had been systematically loosened around its foundation bolts, while several critical components had already been disassembled by the vandals.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to the offence and admitted to having visited the facility on several previous occasions to carry out similar acts of vandalism while evading arrest.

Further investigation also revealed that the suspect had reportedly been banished from the community in May 2026 following his alleged involvement in the robbery of a residential building located opposite the telecommunications mast.

The Command stated that when confronted with substantial intelligence and physical evidence obtained during the investigation, the suspect made a written confessional statement admitting to both the current offence and other previous criminal activities.

Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye commended members of the Iju Community for their cooperation and urged communities across Ondo State to continue partnering with security agencies in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.

He warned that organised criminal syndicates are actively involved in the systematic vandalisation of public infrastructure across the state and assured residents that the Command remains committed to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all those involved.

The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.